LAPD Targets Impaired Drivers with DUI Checkpoints NA17151ti

What: Sobriety & Driver’s License Checkpoint

When: Friday, August 18, 2017, 8 P.M. to Saturday, August 19, 2017, 1 A.M.

Where: Victory Boulevard at Bellaire Avenue Los Angeles, California

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What: Sobriety & Driver’s License Checkpoint

When: Saturday, August 19, 2017, 7 P.M. to Sunday, August 20, 2017, 12 A.M.

Where: Manchester Avenue at Avalon Boulevard Los Angeles, California

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What: Sobriety & Driver’s License Checkpoint

When: Saturday, August 19, 2017, 7 P.M. to Sunday, August 20, 2017, 12 A.M.

Where: Manchester Avenue at Halldale Avenue Los Angeles, California

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Note: Locations of the checkpoints are subject to change or cancelation.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving traffic collisions. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

The deterrent effect of High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired traffic collisions. Research shows that collisions involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely.

DUI Checkpoints are conducted in locations based on traffic collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. The locations of these increased enforcement efforts are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

In 2016, the LAPD investigated over 2,400 DUI-related collisions that claimed 21 lives and caused over 1,000 injuries. As of July 8, 2017, there have been 1,168 DUI-related traffic collisions in Los Angeles, which is an 11 percent decrease from 1,312 collisions in 2016.

Studies of California traffic collisions have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. Another study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the LAPD by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.